A professional orchestra has performed a piece of music by a living American composer for the first time in Orange County this season. It happened Monday night in Renée and Segerstrom Concert Hall. Not a single member of the listening public was injured. On the contrary. When it was over, the American piece received a hearty standing ovation.

The entire concert given by conductor David Robertson and the St. Louis Symphony was refreshing. Some seemed a little surprised, but the orchestra, dating to 1880 and the country's second oldest, has long been considered among the elite. Robertson, a Southern Californian and music director in St. Louis since 2005, is one of the most sought-after conductors in the world, and a pistol on the podium. Their program was atypical for touring – for once a visiting orchestra wasn't offering the same old fare – but nicely balanced nevertheless.

The 1993 Flute Concerto by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Christopher Rouse was the American piece. It is gripping and challenging and somehow accessible too. The eclectic Rouse has never turned his nose up at the idea of moving an audience. Abstraction isn't his thing. The Flute Concerto has a lot on its mind and the composer uses a full arsenal to put it across.

In five movements lasting about 28 minutes, the Flute Concerto is in palindrome form. It draws you into its funereal center and then back out again. The two outermost movements feature a simple Celtic melody wafted simply and evocatively by the solo flutist and accompanied by rich string harmonies. Movements 2 and 4, a march and a scherzo, are darting allegros, all angular lines and jagged harmonies, the soloist and orchestra in mercurial give and take, almost like bebop. The orchestra could have sudden outbursts, something going haywire.

At the concerto's center is a lonely, eerie and beautiful Mahlerian elegy, written in memory of James Bulger, a 2-year-old English boy abducted and killed by a pair of 10-year-olds when Rouse was composing the work. That a mere flute concerto could go to this place may seem astonishing, but Rouse pulls it off. Mark Sparks, St. Louis' principal flutist, was the compelling soloist, a giant tone, firm phrasing and easy agility his shining qualities.

Robertson is a meticulous and extremely energetic interpreter (with great footwork) who is nevertheless not given to exaggeration. His readings of two tone poems by Richard Strauss, "Don Juan" and "Till Eulenspiegel," jumped in the ears – rhythmically ebullient, detailed and articulate. At the same time, Robertson didn't prod: The lyrical sections were kept apace and earned their blooms; the climaxes were crisp and alert, never broadened or underlined for effect. The orchestra stayed on its toes. The strings were bright and robust and the ensemble as a whole cordially cooperative, parts emerging as need be but never overwhelming the rest.

Hindemith's neglected "Mathis der Maler" Symphony from 1934 wound up the concert. It is an intricate and noble neo-Baroque work, like a religious scene in stained glass made audible. Robertson and his musicians gave it a warm and well-tailored performance, a few minor blemishes notwithstanding. It was carefully put together, patient, delicate, serenely melodious, all of a piece. It was, in short, a deep pleasure to hear, just like the entire concert, one of the best of the season.

A small but notable thing: Robertson rushes on and offstage, before and after the pieces, communicating excitement. He smiles broadly in response to applause while giving his orchestra plenty of credit. He's clearly having a wonderful time and it's contagious.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony as it performs Richard Strauss's "Don Juan" on Monday evening. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER
David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony as it performs Richard Strauss's "Don Juan" on Monday evening. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER
David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony on Monday evening. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER
Flutist Mark Sparks and conductor David Robertson perform Monday evening at Segerstrom Concert Hall. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER
Mark Sparks plays Christopher Rouse's Flute Concerto with the St. Louis Symphony on Monday night. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER
David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony as it performs Richard Strauss's "Don Juan" on Monday evening. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER
Conductor David Robertson lauds the St. Louis Symphony after performing at Segerstrom Concert Hall on Monday evening. DREW A. KELLEY, FOR THE REGISTER

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